Development plan · Clare County Council
Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied)
The council's development plan written statement: its strategy, policies, objectives and development standards.
Clare County Council · 2023–2029 · 568 pages
Ask this document
Answers come only from the text of Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied), each claim linked to its page. They are not advice; check the page itself.
Free, with a daily limit.
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise 6.20 Agricultural Development Agriculture remains a highly important part of the local economy and the sector will be one of the main drivers of economic growth and employment creation in the coming years. Employment opportunities can be created through agricultural development/diversification to supplement farm incomes, to regenerate the rural economy and to sustain rural communities. Development Plan Objective: Agricultural Developments CDP 6.20 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support and encourage the development of alternative farm enterprise, Agri-tourism projects and farm shops on agricultural lands which are complementary to the agricultural operation on the farm and the biodiversity supported by the farm, subject to compliance with appropriate planning, environmental and services requirements; and b) To support and encourage the reuse of redundant farm buildings of vernacular importance for appropriate Agritourism enterprises subject to compliance with appropriate planning and services requirements. 6.21 Rural Enterprise Rural enterprises are vitally important to sustaining rural populations, supporting the rural economy and generally enhancing the fabric of rural society. The Council recognises that businesses in rural areas and their employees benefit from the high quality of life and the opportunities arising from the available capacity in local social, community and educational facilities. Rural areas in proximity to raw materials and resources may have competitive advantages and be best placed to establish niche enterprises ideally located to serve their markets and provide employment in rural areas. There is also a growing trend for the development of small workshops, some of which are located within the confines of existing houses, in rural areas. Clare County Council will seek to accommodate these, including the suitable expansion of existing facilities wherever possible subject to normal planning considerations. Proposals for other small-scale enterprises in rural areas will be considered on their individual merits, including: • the nature of the activity; • where the workforce is likely to be sourced; • evidence that its scale is appropriate to a rural area; • evidence that the enterprise would not be viable on industrial or commercial zoned land in towns and villages nearby;147
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise • evidence that a suitable site is available. See Development Plan Objective CDP 8.3 Alternative Farm Enterprises in Chapter 8 for detailed objectives relating to farm enterprises. 6.22 The Food Industry Food production is a growing industry in County Clare, with businesses ranging from largescale catering operations to an extensive network of artisan food producers. There is significant potential to grow this industry, particularly in terms of the development and production of new products. To support growth in this industry, Local Enterprise Office Clare encourages and supports the development of networks within the food industry throughout the county. Development Plan Objective: The Food Industry CDP 6.21 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To encourage and support the development of food networks throughout the county in order to support the expansion of the food industry. 6.23 Craft/Creative Industries The craft industry is a dynamic and vibrant sector. It is a key employer and makes a significant contribution to the economy in County Clare. Encompassing a range of different skills including textile making and clothing, pottery and ceramics, jewellery, glass, woodworking, and furniture making, craft industries are characteristically small in scale and are geographically widespread. Enterprises in this sector create employment throughout the county. Clare County Council recognises the importance of these industries, not just in terms of employment creation, but also in terms of the creation of unique products, many of which utilise local resources and contribute to the branding of County Clare as a unique and vibrant county. The Council will also support the provision of training locations for apprenticeships in this sector. Development Plan Objective: Craft/Creative Industries CDP 6.22 It is an objective of the Clare County Council: To work in coordination with Local Enterprise Office Clare and all relevant stakeholders to support the further development and expansion of craft industries in County Clare and to proactively seek new market opportunities for locally produced crafts at the local, national and international levels.148
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise 6.24 Home-based Economic Activity and Remote Working Home-based economic activity, defined as activity in part of a house converted to a homebased (non-retail) business, is increasing significantly as a result of advances in technology and the increased opportunities to work from home. Remote working is the combined use of technology and the flexibility and agility for employees to work from home, from a digital hub or using a hybrid model (part-home, part-office). The pace of change in these work practices has increased significantly due to the societal restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Working from home can reduce the need to commute and provides opportunities for all areas of the county to generate employment, thereby supporting rural and urban areas from both a social and economic perspective. The Clare Digital Hub Network and the advances in broadband provision across the county are assisting in facilitating this shift to remote working and the hybrid (part home, part office) working model. Development Plan Objective: Home-based Economic Activity and Remote Working CDP 6.23 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To support the conversion of part of a dwelling to an appropriate home-based economic activity, where the dwelling remains as the main residence of the practitioner; b) To facilitate home-working and innovative forms of working which reduce the need to travel where, by virtue of their nature and scale, they can be accommodated without detriment to the amenities of residential areas; c) To co-operate with and facilitate government agencies and other bodies where feasible, in encouraging home-based employment; and, d) To engage with all relevant stakeholders and broadband infrastructure providers to ensure the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan as well as to support improvements to existing broadband networks. 6.25 The Film Industry The film industry is hugely important from both a local and national perspective. It creates direct employment, with over 560 small and medium enterprises focused on this sector nationally. It also generates significant positive spin-offs arising from impacts such as the provision of support services and the tourism generated from international exposure. The future expansion of the film industry in County Clare has the potential to have a significant positive impact on job creation and economic growth in the county.149
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise Development Plan Objective: The Film Industry CDP 6.24 It is an objective of Clare County Council: a) To work with all relevant stakeholders to promote County Clare as a film location; and, b) To support new and existing businesses involved in the film industry in County Clare and to support their future expansion. 6.26 Retail Developments Retail development plays an important function in the socio-economic development of the county. Its contribution to employment is significant. In addition to generating direct employment, it creates demand for local goods and services. This combination of direct and indirect effects can contribute significantly to the vitality and viability of a town or village, particularly if the workforce resides in the town centre. See Chapter 7 Retail for further consideration of retail planning. In addition, Volume 7 comprises the County Clare Retail Strategy 2023-2029. Development Plan Objective: Retail Developments CDP 6.25 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To facilitate and support the implementation of the County Clare Retail Strategy 2023-2029 and to harness the economic potential of retail development at appropriate locations throughout the county. 6.27 Tourism Developments The tourism industry is one of the main contributors to the economy of County Clare and this is reflected in the considerable on-going investment made by the Council in tourism infrastructure throughout the county. The Covid-19 pandemic brought significant challenges for the tourism industry and whilst uncertainty remains it is envisaged that leisure travel will return to pre-Covid levels when it is safe to do so, and that the tourism industry will remain a key economic pillar for the county in the coming years. The Tourism Strategy 2030 and the forthcoming Destination Recovery and Strategy Action Plan will assist and inform the reopening of County Clare as a tourist destination. See Chapter 9 Tourism for further information on the potential of tourism industry in County Clare. Development Plan Objective: Tourism CDP 6.26 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To harness the economic potential of tourism in County Clare through the enhancement of tourism and leisure amenities and through supporting the coordination and promotion of150
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 6 | Economic Development and Enterprise appropriate tourism initiatives in accordance with objective CDP 3.3. 6.28 Data Centres Data centres are an integral part of the enterprise and business support infrastructure and provide services such as: • Data storage, management, backup and recovery; • Productivity applications, such as email; • High-volume e-commerce transactions; • Powering online gaming communities; and, • Big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Project Ireland 2040 - National Planning Framework sets out the strategic importance of data centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy. The RSES identifies the development of a data centre in Ennis as an economic driver for the county and the wider Southern Region. Having regard to the Government Statement on The Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy, June 2018, which in particular recommends having a plan-led approach to data centres, a 55- hectare site has been identified for data centre development. The Government Statement on The Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy, July 2022, has also been considered in this plan preparation. This site is zoned as Enterprise (45ha) and Buffer Space (10ha) with a specific use for a data centre campus. It is considered appropriate for data centre use due to its proximity to the electricity sub-station, its proximity to the M18 motorway and adjoining regional road network, its location relative to the Gas pipeline, the availability of Dark Fibre and proximity to Shannon International Airport and Ennis town. This site is zoned to accommodate a data centre campus which consists of one or more structures, used primarily for the storage, management and dissemination of data and the provision of associated power electricity connections and energy generating infrastructure. This site is identified as Transformational Site 9 in Ennis 2040 An Economic and Spatial Strategy. Development Plan Objective: Data Centres CDP 6.27 It is an objective of Clare County Council: To facilitate and support the development of a data centre on the Enterprise zoned lands (ENT 3) at Toureen Ennis subject to normal planning considerations and the implementation of the findings of the SEA and AA associated with this plan. Any planning application for this site must include an analysis of the impacts from Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with both the energy and cooling systems on the environment in the context of climate change and our commitment in CAP 2021 to achieve a reduction of 51% in GHG emissions by 2030, relative to 2018 levels.151
No text on this page — it is probably a drawing, a map, a photograph or a scanned page. See it in the PDF.
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 7 | Retail Chapter 7 Retail Goal VI: A county with viable and vibrant town and village centres, that have shopping areas and markets at appropriate scales and locations and which function to serve their communities and rural hinterlands. Chapter 7 Table of Contents 7.0 Introduction 7.1 Strategic Aims 7.2 Strategy 7.2.1 Retail Settlement Hierarchy 7.2.2 Retail Strategy for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area and County Clare 7.3 Level and Form of Retail Activity 7.3.1 Ennis 7.3.2 Shannon 7.3.3 Service Towns 7.3.4 Small Towns 7.3.5 Large Villages 7.3.6 Small Villages 7.3.7 Retail Activity in Rural Areas 7.4 Town and Village Centre Retailing 7.4.1 Improvement of Town and Village Centres 7.4.2 Diversity of Uses 7.4.3 Improved Accessibility and Mobility 7.4.4 Retail Health Checks 7.4.5 Shop Fronts, Advertising and Signage 7.4.6 Evening and Late Night Uses 7.4.7 Leisure and Entertainment 7.5 Other Forms of Retail 7.5.1 Edge-of-Centre and Out-of-Centre Retailing 7.5.2 Retail Parks/Retail Warehousing 7.5.3 Tourism-Related Retail Developments 7.5.4 Ancillary Retailing 7.5.5 Petrol Filling Stations153
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 7 | Retail 7.0 Introduction Nationally, the retail sector forms a key part of the Irish economy both in terms of direct employment and the employment created in the associated manufacturing, supply and distribution sectors. The retail sector makes a substantial contribution to the financial wellbeing and social formation of communities throughout the country. In County Clare the retail sector is a significant employer. The achievement of a strong retail sector leads to the creation of vibrant town centres that offer a diverse range of services to local residents and communities in surrounding rural hinterlands. 7.1 Strategic Aims This chapter presents the objectives relating to existing and future retail development in County Clare. In accordance with the overall ‘Vision’ of the plan, it is based on the following strategic aims: • To ensure that the retail needs of the county’s residents are met, in so far as possible, within County Clare; • To promote retail activity in the core areas of towns and villages in the county; • To ensure that town and village centres are pleasant, safe, accessible and vibrant and attract the public for shopping and social purposes; • To improve accessibility and ease of movement for all forms of transport in town and village centres; • To ensure the towns and villages fulfil their retail potential, providing retail services appropriate to the scale and function of the settlement and the surrounding hinterland; and, • To fully examine mechanisms that will assist in bringing forward and delivering the development of town centre sites as well as the redevelopment/rejuvenation of underutilised, vacant and derelict sites for appropriate town centre uses. 7.2 Strategy The potential of retail outlets to generate footfall means that their location is critical. They have a major bearing on the health of town centres and this in turn has a major impact on the vitality of the surrounding hinterland. It is essential to ensure that retail development is planled, suitable to the scale of the settlement in which it is located and makes a positive contribution to the surrounding townscape and the overall vibrancy of the area. 7.2.1 Retail Settlement Hierarchy The Retail Strategy for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area and County Clare (hereafter referred to as the Clare Retail Strategy) sets out a retail settlement hierarchy for the county and Metropolitan Area in order to guide the location, nature and scale of retail developments. The Clare Retail Strategy and Retail Settlement Hierarchy (Table 7.1 in Volume 7 Clare Retail154
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 7 | Retail Strategy and below) outline the level and form of retailing activity appropriate to the role of each of the settlements identified in the Settlement Hierarchy in the Core Strategy in accordance with the requirements of the Retail Planning Guidelines (DECLG, April 2012). The Retail Settlement Hierarchy for County Clare is as follows: Table 7.1 Retail Settlement Hierarchy Tier Level Location Status Tier 2 Major Town Centres Ennis Key Town/County Town Tier 3 Town Centres Level 1 Shannon Metropolitan town Level 2 Kilrush Service Town Ennistymon/Lahinch Service Town Scarriff/Tuamgraney Service Town Tier 4 Neighbourhood and Village Centres Level 1 Killaloe Small Town Sixmilebridge Small Town Newmarket-on-Fergus Small Town Miltown-Malbay Small Town Kilkee Small Town Level 2 Tulla Village Centre Corofin Village Centre Lisdoonvarna Village Centre Kiladysert Village Centre Ballyvaughan Village Centre Tier 5 Local/Corner Shops Smaller villages/crossroads – rural shops (post offices, creameries, public houses, filling stations, etc.) Local/Corner Shops Table 7.2 as below sets out the future retail floorspace in the retail catchments of the county. Table 7.2: Future Retail Floorspace Final Future Retail Floorspace Potential (Cumulative) - Adjusted for Vacancy & Pipeline Retail Goods Type Floorspace Capacity (m2)155
- __________________________________________________________________________________ Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 7 | Retail 2026 2029 [1] Limerick Catchment Metro - Clare Portion Convenience Goods 3,594 5,599 Comparison Goods (Non-Bulky) 5,570 12,259 Comparison Goods (Bulky) -753 311 Total Retail Floorspace Potential 8,411 18,170 [2] Limerick Catchment Remainder - Clare Portion Convenience Goods 399 622 Comparison Goods (Non-Bulky) 619 1,362 Comparison Goods (Bulky) -753 311 Total Retail Floorspace Potential 265 2,296 [3] Ennis Catchment Convenience Goods 2,604 3,897 Comparison Goods (Non-Bulky) 2,707 5,924 Comparison Goods (Bulky) 1,481 3,326 Total Retail Floorspace Potential 6,792 13,147 [4] Kilrush Catchment Convenience Goods 1,444 2,114 Comparison Goods (Non-Bulky) 1,460 2,274 Comparison Goods (Bulky) 414 751 Total Retail Floorspace Potential 3,319 5,138 [5] Ennistymon Catchment Convenience Goods 3,688 4,184 Comparison Goods (Non-Bulky) 623 882156
Source Clare County Council: Clare County Development Plan 2023–2029 (as varied) (2023–2029) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.